Elon Musk has unveiled Tesla’s new flying car, demonstrating the Roadster sports car at a livestreamed event held at SpaceX’s facility in Texas.
During the presentation on Thursday October 15, the 55-year-old Tesla chief showed the vehicle launching from a curved ramp. The car travelled upside down along the surface before leaving the end, completing a 180-degree roll in mid-air and landing on its tyres.
“Flying cars are real,” Musk said, while acknowledging that the Roadster’s “success is not guaranteed” but “it will probably work”.
He said the vehicle used “ultra high-pressure air tanks” to propel itself into the air.
Musk described the project as the result of “a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company”, referring to Tesla and SpaceX.
The Tesla Roadster is due to enter production in 2028, although no prices have been announced.
Tesla says the planned flying model has not been approved for public road use. Buyers can reserve a non-flying version online with a 5,000-dollar deposit.
A limited-edition model has also been promised but is not available for reservation. The Rocket version, featuring the vehicle’s “full flight system”, will be offered by invitation only.
